COLUMBIA CITY – Frequently flashing the smile that likely helped her win pageant titles, Val Slack deftly fielded competitors’ questions at a recent Whitley County swine evaluation show.

Behind the sweet smile lies a determined woman who helped open doors for women seeking careers as county extension agents.

Slack, 55, who was Indiana’s first female county extension agent, will retire after the conclusion of the Whitley County Fair, which opens today.

Slack’s retirement comes after more than 33 years at the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Office.

While growing up on a small farm in Shelbyville, Slack was a 4-H member who longed to show cattle, though her father wouldn’t let her. Instead, she competed in other areas including photography, fashion review and personality.

Slack said she decided she wanted to be an extension agent after she was “drawn in” by the family, traditions and generations involved in 4-H.

“I just really kind of fell for it all,” Slack said.

Armed with determination that she had found her calling, Slack attended Purdue where she obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science and her doctorate in agricultural education.

At the time Slack studied, few women pursued agricultural degrees. Despite being in a minority, Slack said the vast majority of her experiences at college were positive and that many people encouraged her; however, there were some difficult moments.

One of those happened after Slack walked into a chemistry class only to hear the professor say that female students should leave because they wouldn’t pass his class. Slack transferred to another division.

“Nobody wants to start in a hole,” Slack said.

In 1976, Slack was hired after her first interview, which happened to be at the Whitley County Extension Office.

Slack said she feels “fortunate” to have worked in Whitley County and that the county’s “volunteer heart” has impressed her.

“Maybe it exists other places but I know it exists here,” Slack said.

Today, Slack said there are 18 women who are agricultural educators at county extension offices. Though she said she didn’t expect to be a groundbreaker, Slack recognizes her contribution to the field.

“I think I opened a gate,” Slack said.

As her career comes to a conclusion, Slack said she’s been able to see it all: the history, traditions and changes in agriculture as well as generations of 4-H participants.

“And I think that’s pretty cool,” Slack said.

On Thursday, Slack will oversee the final livestock auction of her career, and her retirement will begin. Once retired, she plans to volunteer on the board that oversees the Indiana State Fair.

“I have no regrets whatsoever,” Slack said. “This has been a great career with a tremendous bunch of people.”

bmanley@jg.net